Term 1, Week 1 2026

This Week in Explo

We are four days into the new year and already we feel we have had a positive start. We certainly hit the ground running with school photos on day one and the swimming carnival on day two. If you missed the opportunity to arrange sibling photos, there will be a catch-up day on Monday 2 February. Photos can be ordered online at www.qldschoolphotography.com.au. If you prefer to order using the envelope method, all students received an order form on the day, and there are spare photo envelopes available at Student Services.

The Swimming Carnival is a favourite day of the year for many, and this year's event did not disappoint; it was a perfect day at the pool. Behaviour was excellent, and the staff at the Gatton Aquatic Centre were impressed with the level of courtesy displayed on the day.

Thanks
Team Faith

Information Evening

We recently emailed an invitation to all Exploration Parents for our Information Evening on 9 February. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the teachers in our phase and perhaps catch up with some of your child's friends and their parents, and at the same time, gain a better understanding of the Exploration Phase. This is a groundbreaking approach to education, and the Information Night presents a chance to ask questions and further understand the opportunities available during Years 9 and 10.

CIA Awards

These awards are presented once a fortnight to a staff member and a student who have been nominated by a member of the Exploration Phase for their kindness and for going above and beyond for others. We will open voting for these awards next week, so watch this space to see who the shining stars of the Exploration Phase are.

Pulse Awards

Each fortnight, we highlight the Phase Coach with the highest engagement in the Pulse programme. This is used to track and support student wellbeing in real time, providing a weekly check-in with students and enabling them to ask for help when they need it. We look forward to celebrating the most engaged Phase Coach.

Project Spotlight

Projects are starting in Week 5 and will continue throughout the year, so we encourage students to choose wisely and find an area of interest. Staff are currently developing the framework for this year’s projects so get ready to explore some amazing opportunities.

Curriculum Spotlight

We are looking forward to several new courses starting this term, including Fashionably Furnished and a new Engineering course in a repurposed space that some might recognise as the old gym.

Mr Vivian and the maintenance crew have been working with Mr Thompson to transform the space into an additional STEM classroom.

We look forward to the transformation of this area into a productive addition to the school.

Regarding subject changes, given the complexity of the timetable, we ask that students respect their choices and limit requests for subject changes. Exploration Phase is about being adventurous and developing resilience.

Real Talk Parent Portal

Real Talk is one of the platforms we utilise to develop our pastoral care programme, offering excellent resources for parents. This term, we are focusing on Building Connections and Digital Awareness in preparation for the launch of our digital literacy programme.

This week, we are emphasising the importance of starting the year strong by keeping phones out of sight and out of mind. Research shows that the distraction of phones is a major impediment to learning, so we are helping students understand the impact phones have on their education.

As with many workplaces, phone access will be more restricted, and communication with your child can be conducted via Student Services rather than directly during class time.

Date Claimers

Date	Event
Monday 2 February	Opening Service (formal uniform)
Monday 2 February	Catch up photo day
Monday 9 February	Exploration Phase Information Night